An alpaca breeding facility doesn’t usually get great notoriety from an animal that doesn’t win ribbons or produce show stopping progeny, but that is exactly what happened with Columbia Mist Brando’s Napoleon. This beautiful cria ( newborn alpaca) was bred and born at Columbia Mist’s facility in Woodland and subsequently donated to Mt. Peaks Therapy Llamas to be their first therapy alpaca. Mt. Peaks Llamas is home to two unique therapy llamas named Rojo and Smokey, and a rescued therapy-llama-in-training named Beni.
Napoleon meets Ted Danson
Napoleon came out in style April 1 at the Dove Lewis “Boutiques Unleashed” fund raiser at the Tiffany Center in Portland. He was one of two “Mystery Models” at the event and met Ted Dansen at a promotion for the event on a television show called “Studio 6”. Napoleon wore an outfit on the runway that was custom designed by Seth Aaron Henderson, a stylish orange, black and gold jacket with a smart, black top hat and matching leggings. His handler, Shannon Gregory, wore a Seth Aaron design as well.
Napoleon’s new job seems to be to his liking as well. Since his fashion debut, he has done 2 school visits, 3 senior communities, 2 rehab facilities, a birthday party, and the 50+ Connections Expo, and is a smashing success! Because he is smaller than a llama, children and wheelchair bound people who are intimidated by the llamas are less afraid of Napoleon. And, because alpaca fiber is one of the finest natural fibers, people of all ages like to pet and touch him.
Napoleon’s start in the therapy program has gone so well that Wildflower Alpacas has donated another young alpaca named Eduardo to Mt. Peaks Therapy Llamas. Lori Gregory of Mt. Peaks says that 8 month old Eduardo is “VERY promising as a therapy prospect- even more people friendly and touchable than Napoleon!” Both alpacas will be classified as alpacas-in-training until they can be certified as therapy animals. Certification is a lengthy and intense process, and is not undertaken lightly. It requires a uniquely gentle and calm animal and an experienced handler.
To find out more about Napoleon and Mt. Peaks Therapy Llamas visit www.rojothellama.com. For more information about alpacas and alpaca fiber products, visit wildfloweralpacas.com.au or stop by the Woodland Visitors Information Center.